Virginia commercial drivers are required to follow strict safety laws that are in place to reduce the total of fatal highway crashes. According to federal statistics, over 3,800 fatalities occur in the U.S. involving these vehicles, and among these fatalities 741 occurred in Virginia alone. To combat the devastation caused by the accidents, a truck accident attorney in Madison, VA presents families with the legal help they need.
Identifying Who Caused the Accident
A thorough assessment is performed after each accident in which officers review the path of the accident, inspect the vehicles, and talk to witnesses that saw the accident happen. The commercial vehicle may be impounded to determine if a faulty part or repair contributed to the crash. Once they have all the answers, they create a report that identifies the accountable party.
Addressing Federal Motor Carrier Regulations
All commercial drivers must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. This includes the Hours of Service that impose limitations on how many hours they are allowed to drive. According to these limitations, drivers need a ten-hour off-duty period if they drive eleven or fourteen hour shifts. They must record their hours in a log book and keep it inside the truck at all times.
Weight restrictions apply to all commercial vehicles as well. The driver must ensure that their load meets the requirements as designated for their vehicle. All drivers are required to stop at weighing stations to test their load.
Contributory Fault Rulings
In Virginia, contributory fault identifies actions taken by the victim that contributed to the accident. These actions are often traffic violations such as speeding or DUI. If proven, the plaintiff may lose some part of their monetary award.
Virginia laws enforce the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations that apply to local commercial drivers. At any time that a commercial driver is at fault in an accident, their compliance with these regulations is determined. Non-compliance could prove liability and help victims recover compensation. Victims that need legal assistance should hire a truck accident attorney in Madison, VA by contacting Dulaney Lauer & Thomas, LLP for more details.
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